Spatial Phylogenetic Diversity

Biodiversity is more than counting species, it’s about evolution. Incorporating spatial phylogenetics in fungal biodiversity assessment. Our first meeting this Fall will kick off (potential) new mycological research in California.

The meeting will start with a presentation by Veerle van Winden, a Dutch PhD student, whose project focuses on the spatial phylogenetic diversity of the phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota in Norway. Using online observations, such as those logged on iNaturalist by professionals and amateurs, species occurrences are mapped across the country. Instead of simply counting species in a location, the team evaluates how closely related they are evolutionarily. This approach provides a more nuanced understanding of diversity. For example, a field of ten closely related mushrooms from one genus may be less diverse than one containing five species from different families or genera.Veerle and her team are hoping to develop a similar spin-off study in California. Because such a project would be impossible without contributions from local mycologists, both professional and amateur, it would be wonderful to collaborate with BAMS to raise awareness and enthusiasm for the project.

Brent Mishler, Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Integrative Biology and former Director of the University and Jepson Herbaria at the University of California, Berkeley, will lead a discussion on implementing this project for California fungi, and what it would take.